Dear colleagues, partners, and friends,

It is an honour to serve as Speaker of SPINE20, an initiative built on the conviction that improving spine health requires a shared voice and collective action across disciplines, societies, and nations.

I would first like to honour the memory of our Founding Speaker, Professor Margareta Nordin. Her vision and dedication helped shape SPINE20’s foundations. We honour her legacy by continuing to strengthen the collaboration and commitment on which this initiative was built.

Over six annual summits, SPINE20 has brought together professional societies from around the world to develop and publish evidence-based policy recommendations for G20 countries and beyond. These achievements reflect the commitment of our founding societies, partner societies, task forces, and colleagues who have generously contributed their time and expertise.

Our next responsibility is to build on this foundation: to review what we have achieved, learn from our experience, and define how SPINE20 can turn its recommendations into meaningful action. This means strengthening our advocacy, deepening partnerships, and establishing the organisational and financial foundations needed to sustain our work.

As Speaker, my commitment is to listen, bring perspectives together, and help our community move forward with shared purpose. Our strength lies in the diversity of our professions, experiences, and regions—and in our willingness to work together toward better spine health.

I invite every partner society and colleague to help shape this next chapter. Together, we can advance policies that improve access to appropriate spine care, reduce disability, and support the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide.

With appreciation and warm regards,

Dr. Sami Ibrahim AlEissa
Speaker, SPINE20

Sebtember 2023- Present